Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Mix-use Development Offers Smart Growth


At The Conco Companies, we are proud to have provided concrete services on many mixed-use buildings and “green” projects constructed in urban areas up and down the West Coast.   The Municipal Research & Services Center in Seattle, Washington defines mixed-use development “as pedestrian-friendly development that blends two or more residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, and/or industrial uses.”  As one of the ten principles of Smart Growth, it includes “a planning strategy that seeks to foster community design and development that serves the economy, community, public health, and the environment.” 


Vertical mixed-use development combines various uses in the same building with residential or hotel rooms typically on upper levels, and public use businesses such as restaurants and retail at ground level.  Horizontal mixed-use development is made up of single-use buildings within a mixed-use zoning area that offers a variety of complementary and integrated uses. 

By intentionally integrating business and residential areas rather than the traditional practice of separating the two, mixed-use developments are considered to be more “green” as it eliminates or reduces the need for long commutes.   Individuals are able to walk to work or to public transportation as well as live in close proximity to restaurants, grocery stores and entertainment and cultural venues.  

Another benefit of mixed-use projects is they can help to lessen some of the risks to investors.  If a mixed-use high-rise includes not only a hotel but luxury condominiums, the sale of the condominiums can off-set part of the cost of the hotel, and so forth.  

Conco is currently providing concrete services for the first Class A high-rise in Tukwila, WA.  The $120 million Washington Place project will be a mixed-use 19-story building with a business class hotel, residential units and a four-story parking garage.  In addition it will include a 90-seat restaurant, meeting space, and rooftop garden.  It is also in easy walking distance to The Westfield Southcenter mall, entertainment venues, and a bus transit center.  Please visit the Conco website to see our portfolio of other similar type projects.  

At The Conco Companies, we are one of the leading concrete contractors in the Western U.S. and offer a wide range of quality services and products.  Our experience includes providing services for commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects.  We serve California, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.
Sources:  completecommunitiesde.org/planning/landuse/what-is-mixed-use-development/

sajebuild.com/trends-in-hotel-building-mixed-use-plans/

No comments:

Post a Comment